My research interests are in the field of mechanical metamaterials - negative Poisson's ratio and negative stiffness materials. I design, model and manufacture auxetic foams, composites and cellular structures for structural integrity, vibration damping, vibroacoustiics and multifunctional applications. I also develop predictive micromechanical and structural models for energy dissipation performance in composite and polymeric structures.
I am also involved in the modelling, manufacturing and characterizatio of natural fibre reinforcements for composites (sisal, agave, cactus), and recycled polymers (originated from rubber tyres). Other works include the development of biocomposites with fossil and bio-based matrices. Activities are also carried out to develop structural materials using synthetic biology and biomimetics.
Another set of research activities I carry out is about nanostructures modelling and design, with particular emphasis on graphene, CNTs, BN, ZnO and GaN nanostructures. Special focus of the nanostructures-related activities is about the mechanical characterisation of the nanomaterials for applications ranging between nanocomposites to NEMS.